Viva Las Vegas - Lockrey Manufacturing

3/08
Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing in North America
Agent of change
Industry insight conveys
success for Hytrol
Shareholders’ value
Lockrey employees invest
in their own work
Pioneer spirit soars
Stalking success with lasers
Viva Las Vegas
VSR Industries locks on and
gives a leg up to Lady Luck
Full Speed Ahead
From platform to platform across the world, commuter rails are one of the most economical and efficient means of
travel. And each day LoDolce Machine Company, Inc. responds to the whistle call, producing door and brake system
control panels for mass transit trains across the United States. With quality workmanship and their TRUMPF fabricating machinery, they help transport commuters; high-speed and carefree, between metropolis and suburb. So when
the train pulls up to the platform and the whistle blows, LoDolce helps guarantee it’s “all aboard!”
Special
TRUMPF at FABTECH:
The can’t-miss
performance!
Booth No. 7005 & 7015
3/08 CONTENTS
THE FUTURE
OF SPACE
TRANSPORTATION
6
15
24
THE SPACEWARD GAMES ’08
The dream of a Space Elevator is a monumental one. It is a vision that will not
Vertical Distance: 1 km
only further space exploration and knowledge, but has the potential to shape the
Speed: 2 m/s, 5 m/s
existential future of the human race for centuries to come. With a $4 million prize
Total Prize Purse: $4 Million
30
34
(Provided by NASA’s Centennial Challenges
Program.)
36
Best Performance to Date:
1.8 m/s over 100 meters
Number of Registered Teams: 11
purse provided by NASA’s Centennial Challenges office, the Spaceward Games are
our way of harnessing the competitive potential of teams from around the world to
demonstrate the building blocks of the Space Elevator.
In the Games’ Power Beaming challenge, competing teams use Space Elevator
prototypes featuring climbers to scale a 1-km tether using beamed power transferred
from the ground. Among the available beam power sources is a TruDisk 8002,
Follow the journey at:
www.spaceelevatorblog.com
www.spaceward.org
8kW laser donated by event sponsor, TRUMPF. Scores will be determined according
to a calculation of the climber’s speed, payload carried and weight.
The games are scheduled for fall 2008 and you or your company can be a part of
them. For more information, please visit www.spacward.org.
A part used in TRUMPF’s
mobile utility module
system, which distributes
power and water to the
company’s new Laser
Innovation & Technical
Excellence (LITE) Building.
Made from 18-gauge steel
on a TRUMPF laser.
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Express 3/08
THE FUTURE IS CLOSER THAN IT APPEARS.
The Spaceward Foundation ▪ www.spaceward.org
The Spaceward Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public-funds non-profit organization dedicated to furthering space science and technology
in the public mindshare and in educational curriculums. We believe that expanding mankind’s habitat is essential to its survival, and
that the most effective way to induce long-term change is through education.
TOPICS
FABRICATING
15 Ohio manufacturer’s high expectations
Employee-owned Lockrey Manufacturing in Toledo, Ohio is
thriving despite a depressed local economy.
POWER TOOLS
24 Storming the heights
With headquarters in Bussang, Switzerland, Stadler Rail Group,
a company which specializes in rolling stock, is on railroads
around the road—including in Austin, Texas.
PROFILE
26 Conveying a sense of community
When he was asked about Hytrol’s people, Gregg Goodner’s
response was emphatic: “Many of them never leave.”
FEATURE
10 One-armed
bandit
gets a leg up
PORTRAIT
VSR Industries manufactures parts for products
found in casinos. The company is an industry
LASER TECHNOLOGY
30 Amazing growth
Agriculture isn’t the only thing that’s thriving in this state.
Iowa Laser has exceeded its founders’ original expectations.
DISCUSSION
36 California dreamin’
Al Bohlen, operations manager of TRUMPF’s West Coast
Technology Center, discusses the spirit of the west and how
TRUMPF meets the unique needs of the marketplace.
leader in both lines of its business—on the lock
assembly side and on the sheet metal side
where slot bases are the core product.
TO THE POINT
05 Engineering Efficiency
STANDARDS
06
23
29
34
38
38
PANORAMA
INSIDE THE PRODUCT
ONE QUESTION
PERSONALITIES
STORIES IN SHEET METAL
CREDITS
TRUMPF at FABTECH
Defining Efficiency
From page 19
Express 3/08
3
Commitment to Innovation
4
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TO THE POINT
Rolf Biekert, President and CEO
Engineering Efficiency
The future is only a breath away. It’s constantly unfolding, and, in
business, if you choose not to develop efficient ways to meet it head on,
the ones who will benefit the most are your competitors.
At TRUMPF, we realize that the key to gaining and sustaining
maximum profitability in any business climate is to ensure that your
organization has the capability and capacity to operate seamlessly. We
are experts in designing and building machines and lasers that help you
achieve this goal.
Through our unparalleled research and development efforts, TRUMPF
offers what others cannot, which is the ability to smoothly adapt
through the entire range of machine capabilities and technologies with
the highest degree of efficiency. And it’s not just newly-designed machines
that defi ne efficiency. Th rough R&D initiatives, we are continually
adding features and capabilities to advance existing equipment.
One example is the TruFlow 7000, a 7 kW CO2 laser that sets the
industry standard for high power. Now available on the existing highspeed cutting machine TruLaser 5030, this increased efficiency offers
higher cutting speeds in heavy gauge material, as well as reduced
maintenance of the newly-designed and built-in diamond window
output coupler.
Another case in point is the PierceLine technology developed by
TRUMPF. PierceLine is efficient in that it not only monitors piercing
during the process of cutting, but it also regulates it in order to deliver
just the right amount of laser power for only as long as necessary. This
feature increases cutting productivity, reduces wear and tear on material
and machine—and also results in energy savings.
While there are many factors that affect a manufacturer’s profitability
when operating any machine and determining the return on its
investment, perhaps none is as important as efficiency. And while the
primary focus for many is on the initial investment, the efficiency of the
machine has a direct impact on the productivity or billable time. To
determine the best value or highest return on your investment, criteria
like resale value or cost of operation are also very important.
Whether it’s efficiency in machine operation, changeover from
job to job, reliable and consistent operation over time, or training and
support, TRUMPF’s goal is the same: Produce machines that deliver
outstanding results with minimal interruption, which will allow our
customers to operate on the highest level of efficiency in order to
maximize their profitability.
The current business climate is taxing for almost everyone, but this
is especially true for those companies that have not factored into
their operational equation the importance of efficiency. True success
requires more than simply adapting to current trends. It demands the
kind of commitment to innovation found at TRUMPF.
Express 3/08
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PANORAMA
Bobcat celebrates half a century of excellence
Contract awarded with U.S. Armed Forces
In celebration of half a century of excellence in compact
equipment, Bobcat has launched the Bobcat 50 Years
Unleashed North American Road Tour. This tour, which
visited 23 dealers in the United States and Canada, included
an overview of the company’s history, equipment from the
last 50 years and Bobcat collectibles and memorabilia. The
Melroe Self-Propelled Loader, developed by the Melroe
and Keller brothers in 1958, was honored as the start to a
worldwide compact equipment industry.
As a birthday gift , the U.S. Armed Forces secured a
contract with the Bobcat Government Sales Department
in West Fargo for 85 Bobcat S330 skid-steer loaders and
attachment packages for use in Afghanistan.
Press brake and laser technology from TRUMPF assist
in the process of building compact equipment.
> Additional information: www.bobcat.com
Bobcat fetes its 50 years with road tour.
It’s a home run in the award category
for the Frymaster Protector fryer
®
TRUMPF is a valued player on the Frymaster team
The praise never ends for Frymaster, LLC’s new high tech, low oil volume,
award-winning Protector® fryer. The industry has heaped accolades on
Frymaster’s latest product introduction. Most recently, the gas Protector
received the Gas Foodservice Equipment Network’s (GFEN) Blue Flame
award for foodservice product of the year. The electric Protector was
a National Restaurant Association (NRA) winner of the prestigious
2008 Kitchen Innovations™ (KI) award and was showcased among the
KI winners in the interactive KI demonstration area at the NRA show
in May. In addition, the Protector earned the Electric Foodservice
Council’s 2007 Innovation of the Year award last November. For the
seventh consecutive year, Frymaster, LLC earned “Best in Class” in
the fryer category from Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine
late last year.
The most environmentally-friendly fryer on the market, the Protector
has leading oil-energy- and labor-saving features, helping it to shine
in categories such as economic impact, innovation and technology
improvements. Frymaster uses TRUMPF laser, punch and press brake
technology in the production of these award-winning products.
The Protector™ wins
award for Frymaster.
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Express 3/08
> Additional information: www.frymaster.com
PANORAMA
Miller-sponsored team earns recognition
at AEM Construction Challenge
A predicted shortage of skilled workers sparks movement to
introduce teens to construction industry
A shortage of skilled tradespeople, especially welders, has sparked Miller
Electric Mfg. Co. to announce its sponsorship of the Association of
Equipment Manufacturer’s (AEM) Construction Challenge. It is estimated
that by 2010, the American workforce could be facing a shortage of 210,000
skilled welders. The challenge is intended to promote skilled trades as a
feasible option for high school students. On January 12th, 140 different
teams from around the country competed at five regional rallies with the
hope of being one of the top 60 teams to compete in the finals at the 2008
CONEXPO-CON/AGG in Las Vegas. Miller sponsored the Highland Park
High School Team (Highland Park, IL) which placed third in the Equipment
& Careers portion of the event and 24th overall. Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
manufactures brand arc welding equipment, and uses TRUMPF laser and
bending technology.
> Additional information: www.millerwelds.com
Miller introduces students to skilled trades.
High winds
tower over
German village
Pauwels 2.7MVA transformer
utilized in Fuhrländer Wind Turbine
Pauwels Trafo Belgium has delivered a 2.7MVA SLIM® for the highest
wind turbine in the world. Towering more than 525 feet over the German
village of Laasow, the Fuhrlander Wind Turbine stands 673 feet tall
from base to blade tip. It is even taller than Berlin’s Alexanderplatz
TV tower. Inside the tower’s nacelle is the 2.7MVA Pauwels SLIM
transformer, painted white to match the colors of the turbine. The
turbine’s estimated output of about 7 million kWh is enough to supply
1,800 four-person households. The hub height enables it to reach steady
and regular winds.
Pauwels SLIM transformers have now been installed in the highest
as well as in the biggest wind turbines in the world. Pauwels uses
TRUMPF’s TruBend 3120 in the production of its products to continue
to reach new heights.
Pauwels propels
to great heights.
> Additional information: www.pauwels.com
Express 3/08
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PANORAMA
Exemplary career
Berthold Leibinger receives German Founder’s Prize
It was for his lifework — “his impressive
career from apprentice to company owner” —
that Professor Berthold Leibinger, Chairman
of the Board at the TRUMPF Group, was
recognized with the awarding of the German
Founder’s Prize in 2008. According to the jury,
he transformed the tradition-rich mechanical
engineering firm into a high-tech leader
on the world market and thus changed an
entire industry. Also worth mentioning is his
extraordinary involvement in social matters.
The German Founder’s Prize has been
presented annually since 1997 for exemplary
achievements in the development of innovative
and sustainable business ideas and in the
establishment and expansion of new firms.
Professor Berthold Leibinger receives the Founder’s Prize,
presented by Florian Langenscheidt.
CST Industries announces
purchase of Conservatek Industries
Company hopes to strengthen performance in worldwide markets
Congratulations to CST Industries, Inc. for the recent
acquisition of Conservatek Industries, Inc. CST
Industries is an international leader in the design,
manufacture and sale of factory coated metal storage
tanks and silos. Conservatek Industries is a leading
manufacturer and installer of custom design aluminum
covers for different industries and applications
worldwide.
Tony Thill, VP of Business Development for CST,
stated, “Its [Conservatek] design and engineering
expertise, experienced management team and
manufacturing capabilities are a strong fit with CST’s
existing businesses.” CST’s company portfolio already
contains Columbian TecTank, Engineered Storage
Products, and CST Vulcan, many of which utilize
TRUMPF machines in the manufacture of their products.
> Additional information: www.cstindustries.com
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CST acquires Conservatek Industries, Inc.
PANORAMA
Delfield chosen as outstanding supplier
Delfield’s push to “go green” reaps rewards
The Delfield Company was presented the Outstanding Supplier for
Refrigeration Award by the Supply and Equipment Foodservice
Alliance (SEFA) at their 22nd Annual Partnership Conference in
April. Delfield manufactures and markets foodservice equipment
for restaurants, hotels, and institutions and specializes in
customization in refrigeration. The award was selected by SEFA
members, Delfield’s very own customers.
All of Delfield’s products have recently converted to
environmentally responsible insulation that have an Ozone
Depletion Potential and a Global Warming Potential rating of zero.
Unlike common blowing agents used in competitive products,
Delfield’s polyurethane foam has no negative environmental
impact in either area. Delfield’s customers have adopted a desire
to make their operations as “green” as possible, and this change
has made that possible for them.
Delfield relies on TRUMPF’s accurate and dependable laser
technology to continue to lead the market in such innovations.
> Additional information: www.delfield.com
Customers say Delfield is tops.
Tyco Electronics reaches out
to fellow co-workers
Millions of dollars of support sent to disaster relief funds in the Sichuan Province of China
In response to the devastating earthquake this past May in China, Tyco
Electronics donated $1 million worth of emergency mobile communications
equipment and radios to support recovery efforts. The equipment provided,
including portable and mobile radios, base stations and network control
equipment, is well-equipped to provide assistance to disaster relief teams
and is already compatible with existing government systems in the Sichuan
Province. Tyco Electronics has also donated $150,000 to the Red Cross
Society of China, in addition to the company’s commitment to $90,000
worth of products and services to assist in the reconstruction of the
company’s vital telecommunications and energy networks.
In addition to Tyco Electronics’ corporate support, the company’s
employees worldwide have donated nearly $270,000 to the Red Cross/
Charity Federation and raised more than $42,000 through an internal
fund called the Tyco Electronics China Earthquake Relief Fund to directly
support affected co-workers in China.
Tyco Electronics is a global provider of engineered electronic
components, network solutions, undersea telecommunication systems and
wireless systems, and has been using TRUMPF equipment since 1976.
A Tyco executive in China following the Sichuan earthquake.
Express 3/08
9
Chic DeGregorio calls
VSR Industries an
“anomaly” in Vegas,
a city not typically
associated with
manufacturing.
10 Express 3/08
INTERVIEW FEATURE
One-armed bandit
gets a leg up
“It’s not the norm, that’s for sure,” says Chic DeGregorio
of VSR’s role as supplier to the Casino industry.
In Great Britain, it’s known as the fruit machine. work than social whirlwind. “Our customers,
The Australians call it a poker machine. In the casinos, run demanding, 24-hours-a-day,
the United States, it goes by slots. But a more seven days-a-week operations.” And depending
colorful expression used to describe the most on the jurisdiction, VSR, in its role as vendor,
popular game on the casino floor is “one-armed has to meet the same types of strict licensing
bandit,” which refers to the lever—or arm—on requirements as its customer, the casino. “The
the side of the machine that, when pulled, can process to obtain proper licensure is very inquickly empty a person’s pocket of money. depth and very expensive.”
In fact, even in today’s high-tech age, where
gamers merely press a button or touch a screen, American success story
many slot machines still sport a “legacy lever.” VSR Industries started out as VSR Lock when
However, it’s what’s holding up that arm and current majority owner Leo Wright, a locksmith
the rest of the machine, the contraption’s “legs,” by trade, set up business in 1969. “He evolved
if you will, which distinguishes VSR Industries the company into what it is today,” says Chic,
of Henderson, Nevada.
referring to the company’s eight locations,
“All of VSR’s manufacturing is geared toward which include five in the U.S. and facilities in
the casino industry,” explains Chic DeGregorio, South Africa, Mexico and China.
who, along with his partner Colton Vollmann,
Leo Wright is “one of the true American
runs the company’s day-to-day operations. “We success stories,” explains Chic. “He is somebody
are an industry leader in both of our lines of who started from basically nothing and just
manufacturing, on the lock assembly side, and built up the business, and he continued to build
on the sheet metal side where slot bases are the it up.” Such achievement “sure didn’t come
core item.”
overnight,” and Chic credits the company’s
“Our products are in almost every casino,” growth and longevity to Leo’s foresight. “He
says Chic. On the sheet metal side of its knew we had to make our own parts to play in
business, VSR’s core item is bases that support a different league.”
slot machines and keep them standing upright.
And the league in which VSR Industries now
On the lock side, VSR manufactures and plays is very impressive. The Las Vegas Division,
installs the majority of all cam locks found on technically located in Henderson, Nevada, is
the headquarters of the privately-held company
slot machines.
“It’s not the norm, that’s for sure,” says Chic that employs about 165 people worldwide.
of VSR’s role as a supplier to the casino industry.
“We’ve been in this building for about a
“People on the outside see glitz and glamour,” year now,” says Chic of the 75,000 square foot
but as he describes it, the reality involves more headquarters. Before that, VSR was situated >
Express 3/08
11
FEATURE
VSR Industries, which
launched in 1969, has
become a quintessential
American success story.
in a 35,000 square foot building, which the business outgrew in just
three years’ time. “You can never have enough floor space,” according to
Chic, who notes that 50,000 square feet of the new building is devoted
to manufacturing space.
Going global
Chic and Colt both worked for VSR for several years before becoming
minority partners. While the basic division of duties involves Colt
overseeing manufacturing, domestic sales divisions and the financial
operation, with Chic overseeing international sales divisions, marketing
12 Express 3/08
and manufacturing, there is no clear cut dividing line. “Titles are not a
big deal here,” Chic explains.
One of the more memorable aspects of Chic’s career, and a milestone for
VSR, involves the opening of a division in South Africa. A conversation
between VSR and casino officials in that country took place during a
trade show in April of 1996. Th ree months later, Chic found himself
living in South Africa, where he remained for four years. “The casino
operators told us that an opportunity for business would only happen if
VSR had a local office,” he recounts. “They wanted us to have a physical
presence in the country so that they could easily meet with us.”
FEATURE
To the uninitiated, the base of a slot machine is fairly
nondescript; however, there are at least 100 different designs.
VSR’s manufacturing is geared toward the casino industry; the company’s
parts are in products on almost every casino floor.
”Clients have a better understanding after they witness
the manufacturing process.“
South Africa has a booming gaming industry with Johannesburg being Challenging, unique, glam
the hub. Of 35 South African cities, Johannesburg has the most gaming In spite of VSR’s success, on the threshold of the company’s 40th
facilities—including four casinos.
anniversary Chic and his partners are not content to sit back. “At this
Today, VSR Industries employs five people in South Africa. “Leo and stage, it’s likely that you have a pretty strong business base,” he says,
I go back a couple of times a year,” says Chic, who credits VSR’s success “but you can never be satisfied. The company is only as good as the next
in that country to the company’s willingness to adapt to the “elements product that goes out the door.”
you have to deal with. When you get outside of the U.S., it’s an entirely
And what goes out the door at VSR is mostly custom driven, which
different way of doing business. And I think that’s true for anyone who presents a unique challenge for a manufacturer. “A slot base is a slot base
does business internationally.”
to most people,” says Chic. “But there are at least 100 different designs.”
Basic tasks and functions that American businesses take for granted, Customers require certain dimensions, designs and colors, for example.
such as renting and renovating facilities and connecting telephone lines, “There’s no shortcut you can take because you’re trying to make the same
are very difficult to implement in South Africa. “But you get used to the type of product. There’s no easy way to do it,” which is why, he says,
challenges,” he notes, and “you understand early on that you need to VSR uses TRUMPF’s TruPunch equipment. “It helps the company work
adapt in order to be successful.”
efficiently to meet our customers’ custom needs.” >
Express 3/08
13
FEATURE
On the sheet metal side of its business, the core product
for VSR Industries is slot machine bases.
Chic calls the TRUMATIC 2020 R (TruPunch 2020), of which VSR
has two on the sheet metal side, “pretty slick machines,” noting that
with the TRUMPF equipment VSR has progressed from hand-feeding
sheet metal into the machines to automating the process. On the lock
assembly side, VSR uses TRUMPF laser-marking equipment.
“Our operation is up against a very challenging timeframe,” says Chic.
“We get an order, lock that order up, design it, obtain design approval,
manufacture it, and meet the commitment date.”
While acknowledging that the gaming industry, like many other
industries these days, has slowed down from the volume of business it
was once doing, Chic remains optimistic. “On the flip side, every state
is looking for tax revenue and the gaming industry provides a source
for that.”
As for VSR’s presence in Las Vegas, it’s an anomaly. “First of all,
there’s the environment in Las Vegas,” Chic explains. “There’s very little
manufacturing in this town. So it’s an eye-opener when you can visit our
showroom and see how a product is made start to fi nish. Clients have a
better understanding after they witness the manufacturing process.”
Given the circles in which it travels, big construction projects with
gala openings are all a regular part of business for VSR Industries. But
Chic is nonchalant about it all. “We enjoy the excitement, but we’re
manufacturers. We don’t seek the limelight.”
And the question begs to be asked: How is Chic at playing the slots?
“I’m numb to that,” he says. “We deal with it day in, day out. I just don’t
have any desire to play.”
Success story
Who:
VSR Industries, Las Vegas, NV, with eight locations in four
countries. Established in 1969. www.vsrindustries.com
What: Manufactures parts used in products for the casino industry.
How: Two TRUMATIC 2020 R (TruPunch 2020), TRUMATIC L 2510
(TruLaser 2030), TrumaBend V 1300 (TruBend 5130), TruBend 3120
and VectorMark VMc1 (TruMark VMc1)
14 Express 3/08
Big Bertha and the sound of rain
If you’ve never given much thought to a slot, here’s some fodder to get
you going:
■ The first slot machine was invented around 1898 by Charles Fey of
San Francisco, California, a German immigrant. He named his
machine “The Liberty Bell.”
■ While some of the very early incarnations of a slot machine’s
payout came in the form of fruit-flavored chewing gum, hence the
fruit images found on the reel symbol, today’s payout is in cold
hard cash. The amount a machine pays out is based on laws set by
the gaming commission of the jurisdiction in which the machine is
located. Slot machines in Las Vegas are required by law to pay out
75% of the money that goes into them.
■ Slot machines have gone high-tech and are equipped with a microcomputer. They’re pre-programmed to pay off at certain times and
under certain conditions.
■ A little research turned up that a long-standing record of $65,093
was won in one slot pull on a $1 progressive in 1973 at a slot
machine in Reno, NV.
■ When it comes to casino slang, there is special “speak” for slot
machines. “Big Bertha” is the term for large slot machines that
casinos strategically place on the floor in order to attract players.
The “sound of rain” refers to the sound of coins dropping when
the slot machine cashes out. So here’s hoping the next time you’re
in Vegas and Big Bertha beckons, you’ll be hearing the sound of
rain. (Or, if Lady Luck is smiling upon you, maybe there will be a
big thunderstorm.)
FABRICATING
Don Vollmar, president and
CEO of Lockrey Manufacturing.
Ohio manufacturer’s
high expectations
Despite a depressed
local economy, Lockrey
Manufacturing is doing
well – flourishing – in fact.
You can find Lockrey’s shareholders on the shop
floor, and in the offices, quality assurance center,
engineering and customer service departments,
as well as the reception area. That’s because all
of Lockrey’s 72 employees are also owners.
Lockrey traces its roots to 1956 when it was
founded as Lockrey Screw Products. In the
early 1990s, Lockrey outgrew its original >
Express 3/08
15
FABRICATING
Lockrey fabricates components for the petrochemical and other industries
using state-of-the-art technology from TRUMPF.
mission and became Lockrey Manufacturing, growth to a “manufacturing mall” – that
expanding into a facility with 100,000 square brought him to the company. Vollmar was
feet for machining and fabricating. In 2000, working for Fab Steel, one of Lockrey’s
Lockrey became employee-owned. Today the customers. “They were machining components
company achieves about $12 million in sales for us,” Vollmar says of Makulinski. “He’s a
and is 51% owned by its associates. In 2010, hard worker and a great person. We hit it off
employees will have the opportunity to own right away.”
100% of Lockrey.
An engineer by trade, Makulinski
“Our shareholders are here every day,” approached Vollmar to develop Lockrey’s
explains Don Vollmar, president and CEO of fabrication department in 1993. In turn, Vollmar
Lockrey Manufacturing. “It’s amazing what called upon a relationship he had formed with
you get back when you raise your level of TRUMPF in 1979. Vollmar knew TRUMPF
expectations. Too many managers settle. We machinery would provide the quality and
empower people, set expectations high, and repeatability Lockrey sought. “The idea was to
our people perform wonderfully. That’s why apply Lockrey’s quality machining methods to
Lockrey is profitable.”
precision fabrication,” says Vollmar.
the fi rst laser to cut 3/8-inch material for a
customer making dollies for trucks,” Vollmar
explains. “That allowed us to get into a thicker
material market.”
Today the manufacturer is ISO 9001 certified
and fabrication accounts for 40% of the business.
Its biggest customer is in the petrochemical
industry, but Lockrey also makes components
for industrial f loor cleaning equipment,
enclosures for the car wash industry, suspension
system components for performance trucks,
and handles some military work, among other
industries. Lockrey also manufactures products
through c2M, a company that leverages its
production expertise to help bring its partners’
product ideas to the market.
Quality relationships
Meeting growing needs
Initiatives benefit everyone
High expectations and solid relationships,
Vollmar insists, are essential elements in
Lockrey’s success. “Everything is relationship
based,” he says. In fact, it was Vollmar’s
relationship with Mark Makulinski – who
purchased Lockrey in 1977 with a vision of
The company invested in a punching machine,
and a few years later purchased a second.
Punching machines helped Lockrey to expand
its customer base and as it expanded, the
company encountered different needs – one of
which was to cut heavier material. “We bought
With its punching and laser cutting machines
producing high-quality blanks, Lockrey’s
old press brake no longer kept up with the
tolerances, quality and speed required, so the
company purchased a TRUMPF press brake.
The press brake’s repeatability was particularly
16 Express 3/08
FABRICATING
important to Fabrication Manager Dirk Ward,
who also says the machine condensed steps
and reduced setup – key factors in company
initiatives to cut lead time.
Another contributor to Lockrey’s lead time
reduction and automation strategies: a TruLaser
2030 purchased in autumn 2007. As a result of the
high-speed laser cutting machine’s automated
load and unload features, Lockrey increased its
productivity without adding personnel. “I think
it’s a disservice to ask our people to work harder
for less money,” Vollmar says. “When you add
technology and get more done with the same
people, everyone benefits.”
Fast and efficient
Faster cutting speeds, particularly in thin
material, offered an advantage to Lockrey
– which cuts a lot of ¼-inch-thick material –
and its partners. “Our customers get a quality
product faster, which gives them more control
over inventory and pricing,” adds Ward.
Ward also notes increased efficiency and
decreased consumption of gas, power and
other consumables. He explains that nitrogen
usage is down, not simply because the machine
uses less gas, but as a result of technology
that allows the machine to quickly cut using
compressed air as an assist gas while producing
an edge that’s easily powder coated. “Now we
can reduce nitrogen use and don’t have to
mechanically clean each part before powder
coating,” he adds.
Vollmar is quick to point out the people
alongside their state-of-the-art technology.
“The people who operate it are what differentiate
us. We rely on our people more than the average
company and get exceptional results.”
Sharing profits, equity and purpose
Lockrey’s symbiotic relationship with associates
may be due in part to its profit-sharing
programs and equity-creating employee stock
ownership plan (ESOP). “Since everybody here
is an employee-owner, we have a very motivated
workforce,” says Vollmar. “Our folks want to
reinvest and keep the company strong because
that equity generates their wealth.”
Employee ownership can affect company
performance and profitability, but simply
having employee-owners doesn’t produce
results. Like Lockrey, the most effective ESOPs
share the company’s profits and equity, but
also create a positive, energizing culture in
which employees want to make a personal >
Employee-owned Lockrey
Manufacturing sets standards high.
Express 3/08
17
He was asked to
develop Lockrey’s
fabrication department
in 1993, and today Don
Vollmar leads the company
as president and CEO.
”We empower people,
set expectations
high, and our people
perform wonderfully.“
investment, have access to business information, understand and share
expectations, and feel engaged and equipped to do their jobs well. No
small undertaking, but one which Lockrey has achieved.
Vollmar emphasizes, but whenever an associate takes part in after-hours
volunteer work and provides a record of their time, Lockrey matches the
contribution to the charity at a rate of $4 per hour.
“We encourage staff participation in two community service projects
Spreading information and expectations
annually,” says Vollmar. “They are team-building experiences for us.”
To foster deeper employee understanding of the business, Lockrey created One of this year’s projects benefited the Toledo Gospel Mission, a local
a 20-course, 80-hour Associate Awareness Program covering subjects organization feeding the poor. A second project, the American Cancer
such as accounting, blueprint reading, part measuring, and fabrication Society Relay for Life, was particularly poignant for associates. In 2005,
and machining processes. Vollmar says, “We don’t teach everyone to the company lost a machinist to cancer and two cancer survivors are
be machinists, but we make them aware of how their jobs affect others.” presently employed at Lockrey.
Associates also have access to the company’s financial information.
High expectations are shared among Lockrey associates. Twice a year Free market future
they conduct an evaluation of each other that determines individual The company enjoys its non-traditional approach to business. In this
percentages of the peer evaluation bonus. “It’s a demanding environment,” fashion, Vollmar is energized when asked about the future of the company
says Ward. “Everybody here is expected to be a hard worker. If the person and the effect of the Asian market on manufacturing.
working next to you thinks you could do more, he/she will be very open
“Everybody talks about Asia and losing jobs, but a lot of work that went
and honest about their expectations. With our programs associates can overseas came back – contract manufacturing is going great right now,”
increase their annual income by 50 or 60% when Lockrey does well.”
Vollmar explains. “India, China and Russia added 2.4 billion people to
“If people aren’t genuine about their job and contributing to the team, the free market economy. That’s a lot of consumers: 40% of the world’s
they don’t work here very long,” adds Vollmar. Lockrey’s culture isn’t population. It’s a great time to be in business, but survival isn’t assured.
for everyone. The initial turnover rate is high, but the average associate You have to continually work at it.” And have high expectations.
has worked for Lockrey 10 to 15 years. “We strive to have a place where
any working person can make a difference,” Vollmar says.
Getting and giving back
The company philosophy of giving back is evident in its community
involvement. “We think it’s important to contribute to the community
where we make our money,” says Vollmar. “The more we give, the more
all of us receive.”
Lockrey supports community service organizations with money, as
well as volunteers.Associates allocate 5% of their annual bonus pool to
charity. “That’s not corporate wealth being donated. That’s their money,”
18 Express 3/08
High expectations
Who:
Lockrey Manufacturing, Toledo, OH.
www.lockreymanufacturing.com
What: Manufactures parts used in the petrochemical industry, and
in many other diverse industries
How: TRUMATIC 160 R, TRUMATIC 200 R, TrumaBend V50 (TruBend
5050), TruLaser 2030, TruLaser 3030
SPECIAL
TRUMPF at FABTECH
Defining
Efficiency
Productivity is
in the design
TRUMPF at FABTECH
Defining efficiency →
Power Tools
Since 1934, TRUMPF’s portable power tools have
been used in a wide variety of industries and
machining shops. The electric, pneumatic and
cordless power tools are used in various material
processes, including cutting, fastening and bevelling.
TruMark 6020 with
TruMark Station 7000
TRUMPF’s 1064nm laser marking system, the
TruMark 6020 is designed for premium processing of
metal, plastics and ceramics. High marking speeds
in engraving, ablation and annealing are consistent.
Housed in the TruMark Station 7000 it is an
exceptionally versatile laser marking workstation
that achieves maximum productivity.
TruLaser 5030
A 2D laser cutting machine for the processing
of sheet metal up to 1.18 inches thick. The
single cutting head strategy enables all material
thicknesses to be processed using the same cutting
head. The integrated collision protection safely
guards the cutting head and folds away in a collision.
TruBend 5130
TRUMPF’s TruBend 5130 press brake is equipped
with a crowning system that uses hydraulic cylinders
combined with a passive crowning technique. It also
features a 6-axis backgauge, CNC crowning, I-Axis
shift, BendGuard safety system, optical set-up and
positioning aid and mobile control. Programming
can be performed offline with TruTops Bend, at the
machine control in 2D, or manually.
Webster’s defines “efficiency” as “effective
operation as measured by a comparison of
production with cost (as in energy, time
and money)”. The key to productivity and
profitability, efficiency is a crucial design
element in TRUMPF fabricating equipment
20 Express 3/08
and industrial lasers and is a common thread
throughout our product portfolio.
The features and design elements created by
TRUMPF engineers that make our machines
and, in turn, fabricators more productive will
be on display at FABTECH 2008. With more
SPECIAL
FABTECH’s new rotating location schedule brought the show out of the Midwest and
to the Southeast (Atlanta) in 2006. This year FABTECH makes its debut on the West
Coast at the Las Vegas Convention Center giving fabricators in that region a platform
to see the latest in fabricating technology first hand.
TruLaser Station 5004
The TruLaser Station 5004 with integrated solid-state
TruPulse 103 laser and electronic stereomicroscope,
is a first in laser processing. Its concept is based on
a new, compact and ergonomic machine concept.
The microscope’s two cameras offer a complete,
three-dimensional exposure of the work piece, which
enables welds to be achieved with great precision.
TruDisk
TruDisk lasers are a brilliant combination of
solid-state and diode lasers. Their superior beam
quality and closed loop power control ensure the
highest process reliability. TruDisk lasers have
a field serviceable design and an excellent wall
plug efficiency of up to 27%. High speed welding
and cutting with enhanced precision and large
scale scanner welding are ideal applications for
TruDisk lasers.
TruServices
World class services ensure the full potential of
your TRUMPF machine is utilized. Customized
services are economical and enhance the life of your
TRUMPF machine.
TruLaser 2030
The new TruCoax 3200 watt coaxial, diffusion cooled
resonator adds speed and capacity to the TruLaser
2030. Increased speed and productivity combined
with an integrated load and unload system make the
TruLaser 2030 a compact sheet metal cutting center.
It is available with working areas of 48 x 96 in., 48 x
120 in. and 60 x 120 in. and features a moving safety
enclosure 75% smaller than conventional enclosures.
TruPunch 1000
than 10,000 square feet of booth space at the
entrance of the Las Vegas Convention Center’s
South Hall, visitors to the TRUMPF booth will
experience the latest in laser cutting, punching,
bending and industrial laser technology. In
addition to live product demonstrations,
attendees can visit our technology consulting
stations, manned by technical experts, to take
a closer look at key machine features that make
TRUMPF machines the most productive on the
market.
The TruPunch 1000 is an ideal entry level punching
machine or addition to an existing line. The machine
is easy to operate with a touch screen programming
system and PC based control. It features TRUMPF’s
signature tool rotation as well as wheel technology.
Capabilities include high quality punching, notching,
tapping, contouring, forming and part deburring.
Express 3/08
21
SPECIAL TRUMPF at FABTECH
FABTECH Premieres
Productivity is in the design
TruFlow 7000
TRUMPF will introduce a new 7 kilowatt laser at FABTECH. The most recent addition
to the TruFlow series of laser resonators, the TruFlow 7000 joins with the TruLaser
5030 NEW to keep fabricators on the cutting edge of innovation and productivity. The
increased laser power results in faster cutting speeds that boost quality and efficiency.
Cutting speed increases of up to 10 percent can be achieved in stainless steel ranging
from 0.312 inches to 0.625 inches thick. In stainless steel 0.75 inches to 1 inch
thick, fabricators can experience cutting speeds as much as 30% faster than with its
predecessor, the 6 kilowatt TruFlow 6000. Additionally, increased cutting speeds of up
to 10 percent may be realized in the processing of some aluminum applications.
The TruFlow 7000 also expands the range of sheet metal thicknesses that the machine
can cut, specifically in stainless steel and aluminum.
Technical Data
Guaranteed max. power
Max. sheet thickness
Mild steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
TSC 2 Slat Cleaner
TRUMPF’s new TSC 2 slat cleaner, the successor to the popular TSC 1 slat cleaner, quickly and
easily removes slag from the slats of laser cutting machines and can be used on flatbed laser
machines with pallet changers from any manufacturer.
Three differences in the new machine can be recognized immediately: the new capacity plate,
brush set and vent holes. The steel brush set replaces the stripper plate used on the TSC 1
resulting in longer tool life.
The quiet TSC 2 slat cleaner can be used on support slats from 0.08 inches to 0.15 inches thick.
With its automatic forward feed, it quickly and easily cleans slag up to 0.6 inches thick off steel,
stainless steel and copper support slats. Slats do not have to be removed for cleaning, and
cleaning can take place while production is running. The ability to clean a standard sized pallet
approximately 5-by-10 feet in as little as 20 minutes, results in significant savings for fabricators.
Technical Data
Support slat thickness
Max. slag thickness
Min. spacing between slats
Working speed
Rated input power
Weight
22 Express 3/08
0.8 – 0.15 in.
0.6 – 1 in.
1.3 in.
26 – 32 feet per minute
1400 watts
28.5 lbs.
7,000 watts
1 inch
1.18 inches
0.8 inches
INSIDE THE PRODUCT
Going the distance
Easy programming, compact and capable of performing multiple functions,
TRUMPF’s TruPunch 1000 is more than up to your task.
So you think a punching machine is just about
punching? TRUMPF has a counterpunch to
that kind of thinking. Forget pitty-pat punches.
With TruPunch technology, capabilities such as
forming, bending, marking and tapping are all
“non-punch” functions that can be performed
on a punch machine.
And if you assume that a machine with
such sophisticated capabilities requires a
corner man—or at the very least an advanced
degree in engineering to operate it—then you
haven’t met TRUMPF’s TruPunch 1000. Less
complex parts can be programmed quickly on
the machine, even when the programmer has
very little prior experience.
One of the most sought-after qualities
of the TruPunch 1000 is the simplicity of
its programming, which is intuitive for the
programmer. The machine’s PC based control
allows the programmer to quickly develop
programs using the easy programming
function, even while the machine is in use.
This is a key feature for many job shops where
the programmer is also the operator. Using the
touch screen panel, the programmer can first
start to create the flat blank part by selecting
from a few simple options. Since punched
parts are generally rectangular in shape the
programmer is prompted to input an overall
length, width and thickness of the desired
part. This is followed by the corner processing.
The soft ware will prompt you to input corner
notches, radii or a combination of both. They
can even be left square. These geometries are
not limited to the corners either, they can be
generated anywhere along the outside perimeter
The TruPunch 1000
of the part. Once this information is entered,
the soft ware then guides the programmer to
input any internal geometry. Round holes,
squares, rectangles, and oblongs are quickly
generated by simply clicking an icon. Hole
patterns and arrays can be placed anywhere
on a part using various coordinate locations
making prints received with dimensions from
all surface areas a breeze.
Once the desired f lat blank part is
completed a three dimensional solid model
is created for the programmer to view. If the
results are satisfactory, the part can be easily
nested on any sheet size. The number of parts
nested on the sheet can be anywhere from
one to as many as it takes to fi ll the sheet - or
anything in between. The parts are simply
arranged on the sheet and tooling can be added
either by using the machine’s tooling library, or
when you need a part quickly, use the tooling
already established on the machine tool rail
to fabricate the parts. The tooling paths are
automatically optimized, and the program is
ready to run.
Fast, easy and simple are just a few ways to
describe the programming soft ware available
on the TruPunch 1000. And that’s not pulling
any punches.
> Additional information:
Mike Morissette, 860-255-6036
Email: [email protected]
Express 3/08
23
POWER TOOLS
The train cannot weigh
more than a total of
135 tons, the maximum
this century-old viaduct
can bear.
Storming the heights
Rolling stock by Stadler Rail is a world traveler. Whether in Austin, Texas, in Nyugati pu Budapest
or with the Glacier Express in Zermatt: Stadler comes and goes at stations all around the globe.
The town of Bussnang in the Swiss canton of
Thurgau is home to a company with more employees than the town’s population. Some 2,200
people work for Stadler Rail, a company specializing in rolling stock and serving customers all
around the world. Its headquarters — the Stadler
Bussnang AG with its 1,100 employees — remains
in the picturesque Swiss village that is so rightfully
proud of its fantastic ratio of 1.6 jobs per resident.
The town has expressed its gratitude to its prime
employer by adding a suffix to the town’s name:
“Bussnang — The town with the train”.
24 Express 3/08
The Stadler Rail Group with its six manufacturing
sites — Bussnang, Altenrhein, Winterthur, Berlin,
Siedlce (Poland) and Budapest — is active above
all in the market segments made up of regional
and inter-urban trains, light rail and street cars.
What’s more, the company intends to hold its premier position in the world’s cog railway market.
Peter Spuhler, CEO at the holding company, explains how. “In contrast to the major companies,
we do not follow a platform-based strategy. Rather, with modular concepts, we offer rail operators
customized solutions, tailored to their needs.”
Alpine panoramas
That also convinced the operators of Switzerland’s Glacier Express, which refers to itself as
“the world’s slowest express train”. It links St.
Moritz with Zermatt — via Chur, Disentis, Andermatt, Brig and Visp. This narrow-gauge train
takes a good 7½ hours for the 180 mile route.
291 bridges, 91 tunnels and the Oberalp Pass at
an altitude of 6,670 feet make its course a true
adventure. There are postcard views at virtually
every curve — particularly for passengers in the
panorama car. During the most recent upgrade,
POWER TOOLS
Three letters stand for a tidy seam
Photos: Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
Structures incorporating elaborate but, solid welds are
indispensable for the quality of Stadler’s rolling stock. The
basis here is a clean surface at the welding edge, one free of
any oxides. Until just a few years ago this was achieved with
electric planing machines, but construction manager Bernhard
Eisenegger was not particularly happy with that solution.
As a result of the toughness of aluminum, these tools were
forever becoming clogged and in need of cleaning. When
searching for alternatives some three years ago he discovered
TRUMPF's TKA series of hand-held electric deburrers. The
advantages of these power tools quickly convinced him and
his associates. Eisenegger notes: “The TKAs can be used to
machine a wide variety of contours. Even the smallest inside
radii pose no problems. Burrs can be easily removed and the
bevels have a clean visible edge. What’s more, the TKAs are
easy to use — even in overhead work such as milling down
both sides of the edges, 65 feet long, on the car roofs.”
in 2006, these cars were supplied by the Stadler
works in Altenrhein.
Now the cooperating, privately owned railroads — the Rhätische Railway and the Matterhorn-Gotthard Railway — are working to boost
attractiveness once more. To further secure
the position of the Glacier Express as a premium-segment product, the operators are banking on additional panorama cars and service
carriages — built by Stadler. Beginning in the
summer of 2009 four trains with identical features will traverse routes between St. Moritz and Zermatt or Davos and Zermatt. Those
two railways are investing a total of about 20
million Swiss francs in new rolling stock. The
most outstanding features include a pneumatic
suspension system for an improved ride, audio
entertainment through headphones at the individual seats, and windows reaching right into
the curve of the roof. The cars are also fully air
conditioned. All of this was achieved by using
lightweight construction principles. This was
necessary because historical structures such as
the viaduct, 213 feet high and built in the year
1901, set limits on load. The train, comprising
six cars, without the locomotive, may not weigh
more than 135 tons. Easy-to-service designs that to the Capital Metro rail company for use in
can be achieved in lightweight engineering are regional transit. Stadler Rail CEO Peter Spuhler
among the distinguishing features of the Stadler is quite satisfied: “We’re proud that our trains
line. They are in demand by customers be- are now in service in Texas. This is our second
cause they contribute to keeping operating and export order to the United States.”
maintenance costs low. The company has specialized in rail technology ever since its founding in 1942 and has amassed vast expertise in
this and many other fields, as well. That makes
it possible for engineers to respond to individual
requirements. These carriage builders also enjoy
another advantage: even today everything from
truck and bogie engineering to final assembly of
the cars is all under one roof.
Rolling stock
On the rails around the world
Who:
The list of references for Stadler Rail reads something like a who’s who in the world of rail transport. That includes the German Railways, the
Swiss National Railways and operators in the
USA, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Algeria. The
company’s designs and concepts have found favor around the world. For example, the first diesel-powered articulated cars have been operating
since the end of 2007 in Austin, the capital of
Texas. Stadler has delivered a total of six trains
What: Regional and inter-urban trains,
trams, cog railways, diesel-electric
locomotives
How:
Stadler Rail Group, headquarters
in Bussnang, Switzerland. About
2,200 employees, sales approx.
$1.06 billion. www.stadlerrail.com
TKA 300 and TKA 500 deburrers,
Test operations for the new TKA
300-Li with rechargeable batteries
Express 3/08
25
PROFILE
Conveying a sense
of community
When he was asked about
Hytrol’s people, Gregg Goodner’s
response was emphatic:
“Many of them never leave.”
Gregg Goodner, president of Hytrol.
26 Express 3/08
Employee loyalty is a strong suit of Hytrol
Conveyors in Jonesboro, Arkansas. So much so
that Gregg Goodner, Hytrol’s president, makes
an extra effort to commemorate an employee’s
40th anniversary with the company.
“Employees who have 40 years or greater
service with us, we take a piece of stainless
and etch out a bust of them on the laser,” says
Gregg. The busts are laser carved using photos
of the employees, and when completed they go
on pillars in the company offices, “a symbol
that employees are our pillars of strength,” he
says. There are five busts in place, with two
more on the way this year.
“I get the next plaque off your [TRUMPF]
machine,” says Sam Wright. “I started out
as a mechanical draftsman, the old draft ing
boards.” That was 1968. Today, Sam works in
design quality with engineers on field issues,
in sales and some customer support, too. “I’m
a jack-of-all-trades.
“I started here in the 60s and they were
growing and there have always been a lot of
opportunities here. I like a challenge and this
business is a challenge every day. It’s like
building a car from scratch and you get to see
the final result.”
Sam is one of many examples of how Hytrol,
a leading manufacturer of conveyors, sortation
and accumulation systems, builds its strength
through long-term employee relationships.
“I feel like I’ve been with the company for
40 years, but I’m 45,” says Boyce Bonham. “My
dad went to work for (Hytrol) when I was five.
When I graduated from high school, Hytrol was
giving away two scholarships and I was selected
as one of the recipients.” It helped Boyce earn
PROFILE
Thirty to 40 percent of the conveyors from Hytrol are built
to individual customer specifications.
”Ours is probably the most recommended, specified and
purchased package handling system in North America.“
an engineering degree and opened the way to a rewarding career, which
he didn’t necessarily think would be at Hytrol.
Boyce was planning to work at Hytrol for the short term because
he didn’t think conveyors would be interesting from an engineering
standpoint. But then it started to change. Conveyors were “becoming
smarter,” he says. Faster, too, from 60-70 feet per minute up to today’s
600-700 feet per minute. Boyce was hooked. “The conveyor world was
starting to become a lot more interesting from an engineer’s aspect. So
one thing led to another and here I am.” More than 23 years later.
Changing the ways conveyors convey
Since its founding in 1947, Hytrol has been a leader in innovative
conveyor systems. Hytrol introduced electronic accumulation in 1997
and according to Gregg “it changed the industry dramatically.”
Electronic accumulation introduces logic to the often complex
accumulation of various size cartons on a common conveyor. Hytrol
led the way in making the control of this process as easy as working from
a laptop PC. The system, called EZ Logic, is now the de facto industry
standard. So much so that, when customers spec-out an electronic
accumulator system, they automatically ask for EZ Logic “just as they
would Coke or Kleenex,” says Gregg.
Hytrol has to be innovative because 30-40% of their systems are
custom-built. Again, here’s where people make the difference. “We have
an engineering staff of 45-55 who design, develop and build a product.”
So no matter what customers demand, Hytrol has the experience to meet
it. Their customer list reads like a who’s who of famous companies – GM,
Ford, Sony, Barnes and Noble, O’Reilly Auto Parts, K & N Filters, Sub
Zero, Anheuser Busch, and scores more.
Most of Hytrol’s applications are in warehouse distribution and
manufacturing. “Ours is probably the most recommended, specified
and purchased package handling system in North America,” says Gregg.
But he has an appetite for more. “Food, beverage and pharmaceuticals
are areas we’ll be looking at. There’s going to be a big push to ensure
that food doesn’t get contaminated and more of this manufacturing
will be done in the U.S.” To meet the stringent cleanliness requirements
of food makers, Hytrol offers ultra smooth finish stainless steel systems. >
Express 3/08
27
PROFILE
Hytrol is one of the world’s largest manufacturers
of conveyors and conveying hardware.
Engineer Sam Wright began his career with Hytrol in the 1960s.
As an answer to the skyrocketing price of stainless, Hytrol also builds powder
coated mild steel systems that meet sanitary standards at lower cost.
Another Hytrol innovation is a 24-volt powered conveyor with a
pancake motor that mounts to the side of the conveyor. “This design is
quieter and actually cheaper than the powered roller,” says Gregg. The
ordinary powered roller has a motor inside the roller and is prone to
build up heat and wear faster with a life of about 2,000 hours. With the
new drive, service life leaps 10 times to 20,000 hours. The drive system,
called E-24, integrates with EZ logic to offer precise control. “It’s easy
to install, build and maintain,” says Gregg.
three by product and the other is support. “We’re more productive than
we’ve ever been, have the highest backlog we’ve ever had, we’ve got the
best quality in the industry and on-time delivery is 98%-plus.”
At the heart of Hytrol’s advanced efficiency and productivity are
two TRUMPF lasers. “The development of the laser is going to help us
tremendously,” says Gregg. “We can burn it on the laser, take it over to
the press brake and it’s ready to assemble. Before, we’d have to go through
a cleaning and de-burring; it was a lot more handling. Most everything
is cut on the laser, including holes. It’s now a two-step process. This
makes a difference because of the high price of stainless. “We’re cutting
everything with the laser, except for high-volume pieces of channel more
than 10 feet long.”
Boyce and Sam are enthusiastic about where lasers have taken them
as engineers. “We just touched the surface of what we can do from an
engineering aspect. Engineers can think more out of the box,” says
Boyce.
Sam, who is due for retirement at the end of this year, has seen the
Hytrol plant go from drill presses to press brakes to lasers. All this
change, he says, “keeps you on your toes. I’ve been very fortunate.”
Engineers + customers = new ideas
“Innovative products and innovative design are the lifeblood of the
business,” says Gregg. “We’re trying to stay ahead of the game based on
input we get from end users.”
And how does engineering factor in? Let’s just say the engineers
aren’t cloistered behind a desk. They’re often out in the field with
customers, face to face. “It’s worked out well for us,” says Boyce, “because
engineering is my background and I can share what our products do for
customers. It helps us come up with new ideas. It’s a good way to get
customer feedback.” Yet Sam observes that it’s sometimes difficult for
engineers to work with customers. “There are two different philosophies
there. It can be very humbling or very rewarding. I’ve been kind of lucky
because I can branch both sides of it.”
Perfecting the process
Hytrol is well along in adopting the latest innovations in manufacturing
processes. “We’re in the fourth year of lean manufacturing,” says Gregg.
They’ve also realigned their four core businesses into focused factories,
28 Express 3/08
Conveying innovation
Who:
Hytrol Conveyors, Jonesboro, AR, employs more than 725 people
in a 500,000 square foot manufacturing center. www.hytrol.com.
What: One of the world’s largest manufacturers of conveyors and
conveyor hardware.
How: TRUMATIC L 3030 (TruLaser 3030), TruBend 3120, TruLaser 3030,
TruLaser 5030
ONE QUESTION
In today’s global economy, businesses can’t afford to miss out on international opportunities.
Th ink about it: more than 70 percent of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the
U.S. If you’re not exporting, it’s highly likely that your competitors are or will be selling
internationally. For many of our clients, free trade agreements, ease of transportation, and
the Internet have really helped to simplify the export process.
One of the most important things about exporting is that it enables firms to diversify their
portfolios and help weather changes in the domestic and world economies. So, by spreading
the risk, it helps them boost their competitiveness and bottom line.
Contrary to what many people think, it’s not just the big companies that export. By far,
the vast majority of exporters are small and medium-sized businesses (with fewer than 500
employees), yet we know that only a very small share of businesses export. For example,
nearly 60 percent of all exporters only sell to one foreign market, so many of these firms
could boost exports by expanding the number of countries they sell to.
Ensuring success
The most important keys to export success are that companies must have a long-term
perspective and top management commitment. Exporting can be rewarding, but challenging,
and companies need to be in it for the “long haul.” A track record of successful selling in
our domestic market is very helpful. Companies should also assess their internal resources
for doing business abroad.
Avoiding the pitfalls
To take advantage of the opportunities that exporting presents it is imperative that you do
your homework first. It happens all too often smaller companies will assign the international
sales or shipping to one or two people, yet the sale impacts the entire company. For example,
the accounting department may not understand how the company could be more competitive
if they only gained an understanding of finance options for export sales. Additionally, sales
people can be limited on what they offer a foreign buyer because they may not understand
international terms of sale, or Incoterms, or what the seller and buyer responsibilities really
are once they’ve agreed to a sale.
Other areas that cause confusion or expose the company to risk may include not knowing
the buyer, agreeing to an exclusive distributorship for an entire region, or not knowing
enough about U.S. export laws. The Commercial Service works frequently with companies
on these issues. Many times, it’s a simple matter of internal and external communication
and a learning process for the entire company.
Why should U.S.
manufacturers
consider exporting, if
they aren’t already?
Opportunities for manufacturers
“Exporting enables
firms to diversify and
weather changes in
the domestic and
Support and advice
With a network of 107 offices across the U.S. and locations in American embassies and
consulates in nearly 80 countries, the Commercial Service helps U.S. companies sell their
world economies.”
products and services worldwide. For more information, visit www.export.gov or call 1-800Currently, there are excellent export opportunities for those in the manufacturing sector. U.S.
manufactured goods are in high demand and have an excellent reputation around the world,
and our firms are particularly strong in after-the-sale service. Last year, U.S. exports of goods
and services grew by 13 percent, reaching $1.6 trillion. Manufactured exports were $981 billion,
or 84 percent of total goods exports. Top markets for U.S. exports in 2007 were Canada, Mexico,
China, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, South Korea, Netherlands, France, and Taiwan. Free
trade agreements (FTAs), have been extremely helpful in boosting exports.
USA-TRADe. We also have a manufacturing team (www.buyusa.gov/manufacturing.com)
that provides customized export solutions for manufacturers. For more information, email
Debbie Dirr at [email protected]
Debbie Dirr is an international trade specialist with the Commercial Service in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio.
Express 3/08
29
Sean Abbas, president of
Iowa Laser, believes the
company’s ability to maintain
focus is key to its success.
30 Express 3/08
LASER TECHNOLOGY
Amazing growth
Agriculture isn’t the only thing that’s thriving in this state.
Iowa Laser has exceeded its founders’ original expectations.
the ability to maintain a focus is the key to Iowa
Maintaining focus
People are naturally skeptical of new technologies. Laser’s success.
As laser processing received widespread
But when one engineer saw a laser demo at a
acceptance
in the industry, the company began
conference, he saw potential. In fact, he became
to
grow
into
a multi-disciplinary manufacturing
convinced that it would be the future of manufacturing.
So with a big vision, entrepreneurial spirit and a facility. And in 1999, around the time Sean became
disregard for the status quo, that engineer and two its president, Iowa Laser experienced a period of
transition. “We reached a crossroad; we had to
others started Iowa Laser Technology Inc.
Founded in 1978, this trio of pioneers began with decide if we should continue to design and build
a focus on laser processing at a time when others our own equipment or change focus and allow our
concentrated on metal fabrication. They purchased engineers to spend more time exploring projects
the first laser from an automotive supplier’s lab, with the customers.” They approached the decision
performed some integration and used it for cutting with caution, because, “If you don’t stay focused,
and heat treating. “The resonator—which weighed you can really lose your compass as you evolve,”
18,000 or 19,000 pounds—when operating perfectly Sean advises.
As Iowa Laser set off to determine its direction
had a 1200-watt beam,” remembers Sean Abbas,
President of Iowa Laser, who joined the company for the future, Sean and his team met with six
major manufacturers of laser equipment, with the
in the late 1980s.
“There were only 12 of us, and with that small initial goal of finding a resonator. “We had 20 years
of a business, you do a little of everything,” he of laser processing experience before we came to
says. From his role as a laser technician, Sean TRUMPF, so we brought in the worst possible laser
quickly moved into sales. “I spent a lot of time on parts – parts with holes smaller than the material
the road with cases of parts, visiting engineering thickness and other complex requirements just to
groups and spending most of my time educating see what was possible. Fortunately, Iowa Laser found
industry because the capabilities of lasers were not that it and TRUMPF spoke a common language.
well known.” He recalls that “there were a lot of “TRUMPF realized we weren’t inexperienced and
surprised and confused people. I was told that the they didn’t treat us as such,” says Sean. “They
laser was a passing fancy, too expensive to replace related with us on a level we appreciated and it
became pretty apparent that this was the way we
stamping or plasma cutting.”
needed to go.” In the end, they decided to purchase
two laser cutting machines and let the engineers
Growing in the industry
Sean respected the entrepreneurial spirit of the men concentrate on the customer.
And it was the right decision. When Sean joined
who started the company, noting that throughout
the
company in the late 1980s, Iowa Laser operated
history those who blaze the trail are the people who
in
the
$900,000 range. Today, they register over $30
are also greatly rewarded. But he also believes that
million in business, employ 163 people, and the >
Express 3/08
31
LASER TECHNOLOGY
Iowa Laser has evolved
from two TRUMPF laser
systems to more than 13.
two TRUMPF laser systems are now more than
13. In spite of such success, Sean’s philosophy
remains basic: Iowa Laser maintains focus
and stays responsible. “Above all, the customer
wants you to be reliable. They depend on us and
we depend on them.”
Building symbiotic strength
Realizing the importance of relationships, Iowa
Laser solicits feedback from customers on a
regular basis. The company’s president explains
that it helps Iowa Laser maintain a focus on
their requirements regarding lead times,
competence, processing and expectations.
Then, they compare it to the company’s own
goals, which include helping their customers
become more successful. “We don’t want to
do anything that doesn’t provide value,” says
Sean. “Providing services not required by our
customers does not really impact Iowa Laser,
but it does negatively impact our customers’
ability to be competitive.”
For this reason, Iowa Laser implemented
its Shop Tolerance Program. “Cost is added
when tolerances are not considered” explains
Sean. Before Iowa Laser actually produces a
part, they ask questions. “We interact with a
customer’s engineering department and try to
fi nd elements that make it less expensive for
us to manufacture. We estimate hundreds of
thousands in annual savings for our customers
just from asking questions,” Sean explains, and
in situations where cost cannot be reduced, the
customer at least recognizes what drives the
cost in manufacturing the part. This kind of
insight has earned Iowa Laser customers in
more than 43 states and eight countries.
32 Express 3/08
LASER TECHNOLOGY
Because Iowa Laser
produces product
components, Sean
Abbas says that his
employees enjoy seeing
the finished product.
“We don’t want to do anything that doesn’t provide value.“
Sean’s engineering insight even extends to his personal interests. For
example, when he talks about a favorite hobby—collecting old fishing
lures—which he has done since childhood, he’s intrigued. “I recently
found an old Jamison’s Whistling Bobber, brand new, just like I had
when fishing with my grandfather. I get a kick out of how they were
manufactured, realizing how much easier and less expensively it can
be done now.”
Parts of a whole
“The uniqueness of the laser creates variability on a daily basis. We make
parts for major industries such as aerospace, construction and mining,
but we also do jewelry, cemetery signs, fitness equipment, ATV’s, and
even cowboy spurs,” says Sean. Because Iowa Laser’s employees usually
produce only components, he realizes how much they enjoy seeing the
finished product. “They understand, from a tolerance perspective, why
parts need to be precise, but they really take pride in how they look
when they are driving along and see the parts on a multimillion dollar
mining machine.”
From a business perspective, Sean appreciates the growth Iowa Laser
has experienced the past two decades. “When we were moving into our
recently expanded facility, we found the original business plan and what
the founders hoped to accomplish. It’s pretty safe to say we’ve greatly
exceeded what even they thought was possible.”
However, Sean finds it far more rewarding to see the growth on a more
personal level. “It’s nice to earn money and expand, but seeing what
people can accomplish personally and professionally is the best part for
me. To watch an employee grow and accept new responsibilities, that’s
what I love, seeing what people can achieve.” And it seems as if most of
the employees share a desire to grow with Iowa Laser. “Nine of the 12
of us that were here when I started are still working here, evidence we
don’t have much turnover.”
Rooted in reliability
Who:
Iowa Laser Technology, Inc., Cedar Falls, Iowa, one of the first laser
processing facilities in the United States. www.iowalaser.com
What: Automated sheet/plate laser cutting, laser tube cutting, laser
welding and laser heat treating, CNC forming, conventional and
robotic welding, CNC machining, and complete manufacturing
engineering services.
How: Two TruLaser 5030, Two TruBend 5085, Two TruLaser 2030,
Six TruLaser 3030, and a TruLaser 4030
Express 3/08
33
34 Express 3/08
PERSONALITIES
Flying high in Connecticut
Unique project hopes to return Corsair
to flying condition
Connecticut Corsair, headed by
Craig McBurney, has dedicated
themselves to the restoration of the
F4U-4 Corsair, Connecticut’s State Aircraft. Between owning an
aerospace consulting business and volunteering full time on the
Corsair, Craig is quite busy, but he shared a little of his free time
with us to tell us about the restoration project and what TRUMPF
is doing to help.
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of the Corsair?
The F4U Corsair was designed and built right here in the state
of Connecticut. In fact, it is the only aircraft of its type to be
manufactured by one corporation, in one state. It was the first US
military single engine aircraft to fly faster than 400 miles per hour, and
was flown extensively during WWII. The Connecticut-built Corsair
became a legend overnight for its versatility and durability. Our aircraft
was built in Stratford, CT in 1945, and was sold as scrap metal by the
US Navy in 1957.
Can you tell us a little about what the
restoration process involves?
We are using state of the art technology
to repair original parts and to fabricate new ones. The traditional
methods used were to merely copy an original part, by hand. Instead,
we are applying advanced soft ware programs such as SolidWorks,
Rapidform and MasterCam. By referencing original drawings
and microfi lm, we can create the computer fi les which are used to
fabricate the new parts. If the drawings do not exist, we create the
computer files using white light scanning.
What has been the hardest step in the restoration so far?
We have received generous support from our sponsors in the form of
goods, services and other technical support, but I would have to say
raising the funds to pay for what cannot be donated has been the most
difficult aspect of the project.
When do you find time to work on the Corsair? Is it a hobby or do you
work on it full-time?
I work on the Corsair full time, as a volunteer, side by side with all of
What sparked your interest in the Corsair?
Growing up here in Connecticut, I was aware of the Corsair’s history, the part time volunteers. I also own an aerospace consulting business,
and would fly with my father, a part time fl ight instructor, to see the providing archival research, marketing and promotional services fulloriginal Corsair factory and a flyable Corsair that was briefly based at time to aerospace manufacturers and aerospace defense contractors.
that airport. In addition, a television show titled “Baa Baa Black Sheep”,
loosely based on the exploits of a WWII fighter squadron flying the Can you tell us a little about your family and other interests?
Corsair, was popular at the time. I joined the US Air Force right after My family lives here in Connecticut, and that is the best part about my
high school, and have been making my career in aviation ever since.
moving back here from Florida because I get to see them more often. I
garden a little, I am an avid recycler, and grow exotic hot peppers from
What are your goals for this project?
all over the world, (and eat them too)! I keep a number of bird feeders
Our main goal is to restore the Corsair to flying condition in its birthplace in my yard, and attract many varieties of birds year round. Someday, I
and thus dubbed the project “Connecticut Corsair.” This makes our want to learn how to brew German style beer at home.
project the only one of its kind in the country. It is important for us to
reproduce and re-build the components of the Corsair here in Connecticut How is TRUMPF helping with your project?
while promoting as many Connecticut-based businesses as possible. We TRUMPF has been invaluable in aiding this project. We have
worked with Governor Rell and the state legislature to designate the received a tremendous amount of technical advice from TRUMPF. We
Corsair “Connecticut’s Official State Aircraft” in 2005. We are developing supply the digital fi les, and TRUMPF laser cuts the sheet metal for us.
scholarships and educational programs using the Corsair as the “attention TRUMPF is also helping us network with their customers, locating
getter” for the students, especially at-risk youth. We are helping our companies here in Connecticut with the capabilities to assist in the
sponsors recruit employees through these programs, as well.
Corsair restoration.
Express 3/08
35
DISCUSSION
Al Bohlen is operations manager of
TRUMPF’s West Coast Technology Center.
How long has TRUMPF had a presence
on the West Coast?
TRUMPF opened the West Coast Technology
Center in 1998 as a support for TRUMPF’s
West Coast customers. We believe that it is
important to be closer, geographically, to this
important segment of the North American
market, but also closer to our customers’ needs.
It is a real community of TRUMPF divisions,
not just machine tools. The TruMark group,
the laser division and the electronics division
that produces the RF generators—which make
our laser cutting machines run—all of these
resources can be presented to a customer on
the West Coast. By establishing a presence
in California we are able to demonstrate our
technology in this region of the country and be
more attentive to the particular requirements
of the market.
The West Coast location is very technically
oriented. You don’t get a diluted version of
TRUMPF; our objective is to provide the same
level of experience, talent and capabilities as
in the customer would receive in Farmington,
Connecticut. We really do try to emulate the
whole essence of TRUMPF.
California
dreamin’
Al Bohlen, operations manager of
TRUMPF’s West Coast Technology
Center, discusses the spirit of the west
and how TRUMPF meets the unique
needs of the marketplace.
36 Express 3/08
Is there a typical West Coast application?
One good example involves the automotive
aftermarket industry. Tools and parts, not just
mainstream, but some of the more unusual
trends such as lift products, were launched on
the West Coast and many are created using
TRUMPF equipment. I would venture to
guess that 80 percent of any lift kit on a truck
going down the road is made on a TRUMPF
machine.
But that’s certainly just the beginning.
There are many end-use applications for
parts produced by West Coast fabricators.
And customers in this region of the country
can come to our facility and see in person
the resources and equipment available from
TRUMPF.
How does the West Coast market differ from
the rest of the North American market?
Entrepreneurs come to this part of the country
because they have an idea for a product they
want to launch, and they need to set up a
DISCUSSION
The West Coast Technology Center
provides customers in that region of the
country the opportunity to see, firsthand,
TRUMPF’s fabricating capabilities.
TRUMPF’s Dan Meader, an applications engineer,
is based at the West Coast Technology Center.
facility where they can manufacture it. California, as a state, is known
for innovation. It’s the iPhone and all of these types of technological
products that come from California, as well as automotive trends,
aerospace and other industry trends.
Is there a typical West Coast customer?
California and the western territory is a region where people are always
on the move. It’s a diverse community. People from all over the world
seem to fi nd themselves in California. They know it’s the best place
to launch that product that’s kicking around in their head. California
really is the Golden State. If you’ve got some new idea that you want to
introduce to the North American market, you bring it here.
What types of machines or features seem to be the best suited for this market?
What we’ve learned about the west coast fabricators is that many of the
users’ facilities are very tight on space. Real estate here is expensive, so
you find many of the fabricators are in tight spaces, which means they’re
looking for high-tech products but they need them delivered in a compact
footprint. They want advanced technology, but if they can’t fit it in their
shop they’re not going to buy it. The TruPunch 1000 and the TruLaser
2030 are popular products on the West Coast. They each offer a compact
footprint, but there is no sacrifice in performance.
What types of machines do you have under power at the Technology
Center, and are you able to do custom demonstrations on site?
In our demo room we have a TruPunch 1000, the TruLaser 2030, TruBend
5085, and a TruBend 3066. Customers come to the technology center and
present us with parts that they would like to see manufactured on our
machines, they supply the necessary CAD fi les—and we show them how
they can do it more efficiently with TRUMPF.
How long have you been working at the West Coast Technology Center?
I have been the West Coast Operations Manager for eight years, but
this October I will celebrate my 20th year with TRUMPF. I started out
in the service department, worked as a service engineer for many years
and have really been involved in just about every aspect of the business.
Customers can call me about anything, from a question over an invoice
to a question about how to find parts for their power tools.
What do you like best about your job?
What’s really exciting is when we introduce manufacturers to TRUMPF
innovation for the first time. They’re so excited to have someone walk
in the door with not just another me too product. On the West Coast,
we’re in a territory where the manufacturers are really embracing the
new and innovative—and that’s exciting.
Express 3/08
37
STORIES IN SHEET METAL
CREDITS
Revere’s mettle
TRUMPF Express 3/08
Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing
It’s that midnight gallop for which he’s most famous,
Published by
but America’s favorite patriot also put the pedal to metal
Courtesy of the Canton Historical Society, Canton Massachusetts
The first copper rolling mill in
North America was founded
by famous American patriot
Paul Revere.
TRUMPF Inc.
Farmington, CT 06032
www.us.trumpf.com
Responsible for the content
Sheila LaMothe
Editor-in-Chief
Melanie McMillan
860-255-6112
[email protected]
Editorial Staff
Mike Gordon
Susan Grohs
Sheila LaMothe
Allie Leblanc
Karen Miller
Design and production
When you think of Paul Revere, you probably
conjure up an image of a horse galloping
through the dark night with its rider crying,
“The British are coming!” But have you ever
wondered what became of the patriotic
messenger after that famous midnight ride on
April 18, 1775?
Concerned that the United States would be
stuck importing sheet copper from England
after the war, in 1801, Revere, at age 65, opened
the very fi rst copper rolling mill in North
America. Copper, incidentally, was the fi rst
metal mined and crafted by man.
Born January 1, 1735, Paul Revere grew up
learning the art of gold and silversmithing.
Early on he opened up his own silver shop, and
his work as a smithy was his primary occupation
for more than 40 years. To supplement his
income, Revere was also a copperplate engraver,
a dentist, and a manufacturer of surgical
equipment and artificial teeth.
It was not until after his famous ride,
however, that the patriot became interested in
the copper industry. For 12 years following the
Revolutionary War, Revere carefully studied
the art of copper sheet metal rolling. Finally, in
1801, he moved to Canton, Massachusetts where
he risked his entire life’s fortune to launch
the very first copper rolling mill in America.
Revere selected the land next to the Neoponset
River as his new home because the strength
of the river’s flow helped to generate energy.
38 Express 3/08
Revere’s business, originally called The Revere
Copper Company, flourished due to extensive
orders from the U.S. Government in addition
to many private purchases.
By 1803, Revere Copper had been used to line
the hull of the U.S.S. Constitution, to build the
roof at New York City Hall, and to sheath the
dome of the Massachusetts Statehouse. Revere
Copper was also used by Robert Fulton in his
famous Fulton Steamships, as well as in more
than 700 brass cannons that saw action in the
War of 1812 and the Civil War.
At the age of 76, Paul Revere retired and
left his business to his sons and grandsons.
After his death in 1818, The Revere Copper
Company was run by his son Joseph Warren
Revere. In 1938, James M. Kennedy of the Rome
manufacturing plant invented “Revere Ware,”
and by 1951, the company’s 150th anniversary, it
was the oldest and largest independent copper
fabricator in America. Today, Revere Copper
Products is headquartered in Rome, NY. They
do not, however, still own or create Revere
Ware. Instead they make a broad assortment
of copper and copper alloy mill materials.
Many advances in the sheet metal industry
have been made throughout the years, and it’s
no stretch to attribute some of them to Paul
Revere—the man who opened the country’s first
copper rolling mill. In fact, many landmarks
in our nation today still proudly display this
loyalist’s carefully-crafted work.
John Mik, MIK Advertising & Design
Printing and assembly
Paladin Commercial Printers, LLC
Contributors
Catherine Flynn
Robert Devol
pr + co. gmbh, Stuttgart
Photographs
Steve Adams Photography
Bobcat
Bob Harris Productions
CST Industries
Delfield Company
Frederic Neema Photography
Frymaster, LLC
Miller Electric Mfg. Co.
Oak Ridge Photography
Pauwels Trafo
Rycus Associates Photography
StudioJ
TRUMPF Archive
Tyco Electronics
Illustrations
Historical Society of Canton, Mass.
Wayne Camarro
3/08 CONTENTS
THE FUTURE
OF SPACE
TRANSPORTATION
6
15
24
THE SPACEWARD GAMES ’08
The dream of a Space Elevator is a monumental one. It is a vision that will not
Vertical Distance: 1 km
only further space exploration and knowledge, but has the potential to shape the
Speed: 2 m/s, 5 m/s
existential future of the human race for centuries to come. With a $4 million prize
Total Prize Purse: $4 Million
30
34
(Provided by NASA’s Centennial Challenges
Program.)
36
Best Performance to Date:
1.8 m/s over 100 meters
Number of Registered Teams: 11
purse provided by NASA’s Centennial Challenges office, the Spaceward Games are
our way of harnessing the competitive potential of teams from around the world to
demonstrate the building blocks of the Space Elevator.
In the Games’ Power Beaming challenge, competing teams use Space Elevator
prototypes featuring climbers to scale a 1-km tether using beamed power transferred
from the ground. Among the available beam power sources is a TruDisk 8002,
Follow the journey at:
www.spaceelevatorblog.com
www.spaceward.org
8kW laser donated by event sponsor, TRUMPF. Scores will be determined according
to a calculation of the climber’s speed, payload carried and weight.
The games are scheduled for fall 2008 and you or your company can be a part of
them. For more information, please visit www.spacward.org.
A part used in TRUMPF’s
mobile utility module
system, which distributes
power and water to the
company’s new Laser
Innovation & Technical
Excellence (LITE) Building.
Made from 18-gauge steel
on a TRUMPF laser.
2
Express 3/08
THE FUTURE IS CLOSER THAN IT APPEARS.
The Spaceward Foundation ▪ www.spaceward.org
The Spaceward Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public-funds non-profit organization dedicated to furthering space science and technology
in the public mindshare and in educational curriculums. We believe that expanding mankind’s habitat is essential to its survival, and
that the most effective way to induce long-term change is through education.
3/08
Magazine for Sheet Metal Processing in North America
Agent of change
Industry insight conveys
success for Hytrol
Shareholders’ value
Lockrey employees invest
in their own work
Pioneer spirit soars
Stalking success with lasers
Viva Las Vegas
VSR Industries locks on and
gives a leg up to Lady Luck
Full Speed Ahead
From platform to platform across the world, commuter rails are one of the most economical and efficient means of
travel. And each day LoDolce Machine Company, Inc. responds to the whistle call, producing door and brake system
control panels for mass transit trains across the United States. With quality workmanship and their TRUMPF fabricating machinery, they help transport commuters; high-speed and carefree, between metropolis and suburb. So when
the train pulls up to the platform and the whistle blows, LoDolce helps guarantee it’s “all aboard!”
Special
TRUMPF at FABTECH:
The can’t-miss
performance!
Booth No. 7005 & 7015